What is the Annual Notice of Change, otherwise known as an ANOC, and why should you pay attention to it? I have made slight mention of the ANOC in other blogs, social media posts and quarterly newsletters. However, this document is so important to your Medicare coverage choices and the Open Enrollment Season, that is deserves its OWN blog! Here you will find out what the ANOC means to you, when you will receive it and what you should do with it. When the Open Enrollment season nears, this is of utmost importance!
What is an ANOC, and what’s in it?
Unlike Original Medicare (Part A/B) and Supplement Plans, which do not change structure, the Part D Drug Plans and Advantage Plans (Part C) change their costs, benefits and plan structure every single year. The Annual Notice of Change is a document that every Medicare Beneficiary gets in the mail detailing the changes to their Part D Drug Plan or Part C Advantage Plan for the coming year. This letter will arrive in the mail to your household every year in September. Insurance companies are required to have it sent by September 30th. Here is what your ANOC letter will include-
Addition of new benefits or exclusions of benefits from the previous (or current) year
Addition or subtraction of your medication from the plan’s formulary for next year
Whether your prescription medication is moving up or down a Tier level which has cost implications
Whether your provider is leaving the network next year (ie Doctor, Hospital, Pharmacy, etc)
It may even tell you your plan is leaving your zip code or county next year altogether REQUIRING you to change your plan
Make the Most of Your ANOC Information
Pay attention to this letter and review it carefully and thoroughly. Hang on to the letter and maybe even make some notes or write your questions on it to show your Agent. If you do not like the changes, are notified your drug won’t be covered, or your plan is leaving the market – call or email your Insurance Agent to schedule an appointment. We can discuss the plan changes with you beginning October 1st. We cannot officially submit a new application for a plan change until October 15th. However, this is a heads up that this is the busiest time of year for Agents. We call it our ‘tax’ season, so make an appointment as soon as possible. We book up very quickly. Also, please do your best to keep your scheduled appointment. There is very little wiggle room during this 8-9 weeks. Open Enrollment (or Annual Enrollment Period) runs from October 15th through December 7th, and it is the only time you can change your plan for next year. Help us help you!
What If You Don’t Get One
First, make sure your Insurance Carrier has your current address. That will ensure you get your ANOC and that if you like your plan, it continues into the next year provided they have the correct county listed. I have had instances where clients have moved and didn’t notify their plan. They lost coverage the next year because the plan left the zip code they ‘used’ to be in. We corrected it, but it was stressful and cumbersome. Additionally, Medicare Beneficiaries get inundated with sales mail leading up to and during Open Enrollment. It is easy to see why it may get tossed with all the other sales materials from Insurance Companies. So, watch for that acronym- ANOC! And it will be from your current insurance carrier. If you still don’t think you received one, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and request another one be sent to you.
Doesn’t My Agent Know It All?
The simple answer is ‘No’. We train for hours upon hours on Medicare changes, plan changes, market shifts and drug formularies. However, there are volumes of plans and a myriad of changes. We can’t know specifically every drug being dropped from each plan formulary and have memorized which client is on said drug. This is why the ANOC is so important. When you combine your ANOC information with your Agent’s knowledge, quoting tools and resources, you can save money, ensure your drugs are covered and gain valuable benefits for the coming year!
CDI is here to help you manage your healthcare costs and find the best options for your unique situation. We can meet in person or virtually. Reach out if you would like more information. Email carrie@cdi-cares.com or check out www.cdi-cares.com for a contact page and other helpful blogs.
